Glass Blowing

Figure A--To fully appreciate the art form of glass blowing, it is necessary to step away from the glittering comfort of the showroom and into the heat, where the hard work that goes into each piece takes place.

Figure B--Two large furnaces heat the workroom to over 100 degrees, but the furnaces themselves reach a combined heat of over 5,000 degrees. Steady hands and nerves are vital to success. Once a color is selected, glass is loaded almost like cotton candy. Cherry wood block gives the glass its rudimentary shape, then blowing the glass creates an air bubble that begins to give the glass more shape.

Figure C--Some 15 hours after glass has been blown into the shape of a vase, then cooled at 900 degrees, it is ready to take its rightful place in the gallery to be appreciated and admired by all.